Meet Shivon Barresi

Are you curious about the Phoenix teaching team? Then welcome to the third of the Teaching Team Introduction series of blogs to introduce Leonie and the Phoenix Family Therapy Teaching Team Associates and Guest Teaching Associates.

Relationships are at the heart of family therapy and systemic practice and start with introductions.  It’s important that at Phoenix we practice what we teach and embrace the relational principles that we espouse. So let’s keep going with getting to know the team in this blog series.

From Shivon:

How did your interest in family therapy and systemic practice get sparked?

My interest in family therapy and systemic practice developed from a growing curiosity about how people’s emotions and behaviours are influenced by the relationships and systems they are part of. I first became intrigued when I noticed the significant impact family dynamics have on an individual’s overall wellbeing. While working with children and adolescents who faced challenges tied to their family relationships, I became fascinated with the idea that real healing often involves relationships – understanding and addressing the whole family system. What really clicked for me was the realisation that individual counselling often focused too much on the person in isolation, which didn’t seem to bring lasting change. This new perspective inspired me to pursue further education in family therapy, and it has revolutionised the way I practice.

What frameworks are you drawn to and why?

 The real advantage of adding systemic frameworks into my professional ‘toolbox’ is the ability to integrate them with individual based models. I think it provides a unique offering to my clients – whether I’m supporting an individual, couple, or family. Every systemic framework that I have learned about brings something special to the ‘family table’ – it’s a versatile smorgasbord. I’m particularly drawn to Bowen’s Transgenerational Theory, Structural Family Therapy, and the Human Validation Process Model.

Bowen’s Family Systems Theory appeals to me for its focus on intergenerational patterns, emotional reactivity, and the importance of balancing individuality with togetherness. What I really appreciate is the multigenerational aspect that can create context and understanding for clients around the way family patterns are passed down. This approach offers valuable insight which can translate into creating healthier relational dynamics.

Structural Family Therapy is another framework I’m passionate about because of its emphasis on reorganising the family’s structure, (e.g., roles, rules, hierarchies, and boundaries). What I value about this model is how it empowers families to foster healthier relationships by restructuring their interactions. It’s especially effective when working with families who have conflict involving children and adolescents.

Finally, the Human Validation Process Model interests me for its emphasis on emotional expression and authenticity within families. I appreciate how this approach encourages families to engage emotionally and express themselves freely. This helps break down barriers and fosters deeper connections. The creative and often playful interventions can lead to deep conversations and transformative emotional experiences that has the power to strengthen family bonds.

Which figures in family therapy have been your biggest influences?

When I think about the influential people that I have come across in my time as a professional, I can’t help but take something away from each and every one of them – I love to learn from others.  If I was to pin it all down though, the two prominent family therapy figures that have heavily influenced my development as a Clinical Family Therapist are Mosche Lang and Virginia Satir.

Mosche Lang is a pioneering figure in family therapy, particularly in Melbourne, Australia. His work has influenced generations of clinicians, and I was very fortunate to train under him at university. His teaching style was engaging, continually bringing theory to life through the sharing of stories and real-life experiences. I learned about the value of humour as a therapeutic tool to break down barriers in family dynamics, and he taught me how to be direct in a way that is non-confrontational. I’m deeply grateful for the privilege of being taught by Mosche, and his legacy continues to inspire and shape my work.

Virginia Satir, considered the ‘mother’ of family therapy, has been another significant influence on my practice because of her emphasis on emotional connection and the growth potential of individuals within a family system. I’m inspired by her belief that each family member deserves to be valued, and that healthy communication can transform family dynamics. Virginia’s humanistic approach, which focuses on self-esteem, self-awareness, and congruent communication, deeply resonates with my belief in empowering individuals to express their true selves. I also appreciate her focus on warmth, empathy, and authenticity as a therapist. This has shaped my view of the therapeutic process, serving as a model for open communication and emotional vulnerability. Her approach is truly inspiring.

How has systemic thinking and practice influenced your work?

 Systemic thinking has profoundly shaped my approach to understanding and responding to human experiences – especially when supporting children, adolescents, and young people. With a systemic lens I view an individual as part of numerous interconnected systems (e.g., families, communities, and society). This perspective has influenced my work in several ways:

I have a holistic view – Instead of focusing solely on individual problems or ‘symptoms,’ I consider the relationships, communication patterns, and dynamics within the person's broader context. This helps me see how issues are often not rooted in one person but are influenced by the system they're a part of.

I use a collaborative approach – Family therapy encourages teamwork to co-create solutions. In my work, I engage with clients in a way that values their perspectives, recognising that they’re experts in their own lives.

I take a non-pathologising stance – Systemic thinking helps shift the focus from labelling or diagnosing individuals, to understanding how their challenges are potential adaptive responses to their environment – the ‘why now’ and ‘what purpose does this serve’ questions. This perspective encourages a more compassionate and non-judgmental way of engaging with those I support.

Why have you chosen to go into a teaching/supervising/mentoring role in this field?

I’ve chosen to pursue a teaching, supervising, and mentoring role because my passion for the helping profession drives my desire to support and inspire other practitioners in their clinical work. By mentoring others, I want to help them refine their clinical skills and cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and the clients/families they work with. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative this process can be and I’m motivated to pass on the knowledge, skills and tools that can help others create meaningful change in their practice. To me, the goal isn’t just to teach techniques – it’s to nurture the emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and resilience needed to support families through the most difficult of times. I find great fulfillment in seeing fellow practitioners grow, as it strengthens the entire field and ultimately benefits the families they work with.

If you could give one piece of advice to our program participants starting the 2-year accredited training program, the Advanced Certificate in Systemic Family Therapy and Practice, what would it be?

 The most valuable advice I can offer those starting their learning journey in family therapy is to cultivate curiosity about their own upbringing. One of the most impactful ways to grow is by reflecting on our own family of origin. Our personal experiences with family shape how we perceive relationships, handle conflict, communicate, and understand family roles. Take the time to explore the dynamics within your own family of origin and family of creation and consider how these might influence your therapeutic approach. This self-awareness will help you identify any biases or blind spots you may bring into sessions. It's important to regularly check in with yourself and pursue self-growth, whether through personal therapy or professional supervision. Personal growth is an endless adventure, full of discovery – embrace it!

What is something you love to do when you aren’t working?

When I'm not working, I love spending quality time with family and friends, especially my grandchildren. I also enjoy spending time with my three very affectionate dachshunds and going on walks. Travelling is another passion of mine, particularly when visiting family abroad, and I’m currently learning a new language. These activities help me relax and bring joy to my life.

Shivon Barresi

Clinical Family Therapist & Counselor

Teaching Team Member Phoenix Family Therapy Academy

Please note that this article is educational in nature and does not constitute professional or therapeutic advice or suggestion.